Last Friday, National Team Member and Olympic Gold medalist, Conor Dwyer made a special visit to the swimmers of Rose Bowl Aquatics in Pasadena, California. The visit was a result of the athletes’ support and vast contributions to the USA Swimming Foundation’s Swim-a-Thon™ contest. The team raised a record setting $122,266, earning the personal visit from Dwyer.
“Having an Olympic Gold medalist like Conor Dwyer speak to the swimmers at Rose Bowl Aquatics is a way for us to show our appreciation for their outstanding fundraising work for both their team and the USA Swimming Foundation. We are so proud of all the Swim-a-Thon™ clubs and grateful for their efforts to give back to our mission of saving lives and building champions.”
— Debbie Hesse, Executive Director of the USA Swimming Foundation
After an introduction by head coach and former National Team member, Jeff Julian, Dwyer spent some time talking with the rising stars about his journey and the determination it takes to make it to the top.
“His message of never giving up on your dreams, especially when things don’t seem to be going your way, is such a valuable message for all of our swimmers.”
— Jeff Julian, Rose Bowl Aquatics head coach
Jeff Julian, Head Coach of Rose Bowl Aquatics
After posing for pictures with the team and coaches, the Olympic Gold Medalist met with a smaller group of swimmers who individually raised $1,000 or more for the Swim-a-Thon™ fundraiser. He conducted one on one meet and greets, signing autographs and took pictures with the exceptional Rose Bowl swimmers.
“It was such a pleasure to have Conor on deck with us. The swimmers were beyond excited when they heard he was going to be there. Thank you to the USA Swimming Foundation for making this possible for our swimmers and families,” said Julian.
The experience was one to remember for the Rose Bowl Aquatics swimmers.
The funds generated from Rose Bowl Aquatics Swim-a-Thon™ help support their swimmers and offset expenses associated with dues, traveling to meets, and equipment. If you are looking for a fun and easy way to raise funds for your own swimming club, look no further than an official Swim-a-Thon™! When you host a USA Swimming Foundation Swim-a-Thon™, you are raising funds to build a stronger team at home, supporting our heroes on the National Team and helping to give kids across the country the opportunity to become safer in, on, and around the water through swim lessons.
About the USA Swimming Foundation
The USA Swimming Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming. Established in 2004, the Foundation works to strengthen the sport by saving lives and building champions— in the pool and in life. Whether we’re equipping our children with the life-saving skill of learn-to-swim through our Make a Splash initiative, or providing financial support to our heroes on the U.S. National Team, the USA Swimming Foundation aims to provide the wonderful experience of swimming to kids at all levels across the country. To learn more, visit www.usaswimmingfoundation.org.
About the USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash initiative
The USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash initiative is a national child-focused water safety campaign, which aims to provide the opportunity for every child in America to learn to swim. Through Make a Splash, the USA Swimming Foundation partners with learn-to-swim providers and water safety advocates across the country to provide swimming lessons and educate children and their families on the importance of learning how to swim. The USA Swimming Foundation has invested millions of dollars to provide grants to qualified Local Partner learn-to-swim programs, to spread national awareness, and to bring together strategic partners to end drowning. To date, more than 3.8 million children have received the lifesaving gift of swim lessons through the USA Swimming Foundation Make a Splash Local Partner network, comprised of more than 725 qualified lesson providers across the nation. To learn more, visit www.usaswimmingfoundation.org/makeasplash.
Swimming News is courtesy of the USA Swimming Foundation.